Android eight.zero, affectionately and formally referred to as “Oreo,” modifications quite a lot of issues in Google’s cell working system. However the obvious is a swap from a normal darkish theme within the interface to blinding white on the Fast Settings menu on the notification bar. In the event you’re uninterested in all these fully-lit pixels in your cellphone, there’s a method to theme the interface with some new instruments—no root required.

Step One: Set up ADB, Substratum, and Andromeda

That doesn’t imply it’s a one-tap affair, although. You’ll want to be certain that your cellphone is working Android eight.zero Oreo, and you’ll want the motive force in your cellphone put in in your PC, as described on this information (you don’t want the complete ADB set up, since Andromeda’s obtain comes with ADB baked in). You’ll additionally need to allow Developer Mode and USB Debugging, as described in that information.

Subsequent, head to the Play Retailer and obtain the Substratum theme engine and the Andromeda add-on. These apps will permit you to apply themes to a inventory Android system with out root, after slightly tinkering with ADB in your laptop. Notice that the second app prices $1.99.

Step Two: Activate Andromeda on Your PC

Andromeda wants to be enabled from the ADB program in your laptop, which requires an additional program and slightly legwork. Head to this hyperlink on the XDA Builders discussion board, and obtain the Andromeda Script in your working system—Home windows, macOS, or Linux. Unzip it and put it in a protected place for the second.

Now, join your system to your laptop utilizing a USB cable. Open the Andromeda listing, Shift+Proper click on on an empty space, and select “Open a PowerShell Window Right here”. Run the adb gadgets command to verify for related Android telephones or tablets; if it returns one consequence, like under, you’re good to go. If not, return to our ADB setup information and be certain that every little thing is ready up correctly.

When you’ve confirmed the cellphone is recognizable, run the file you downloaded from XDA. On Home windows, double-click the “start_andromeda.bat” file. On macOS, double-click on AndromedaClient, then click on “OK.” On Linux, run /.start_andromeda.sh.

The script will run and activate Andromeda in your cellphone and pill—Substratum ought to launch on the display screen. Merely observe the on-screen directions to run the app for the primary time. In the event you’re having bother, double-check the motive force for the ADB interface in your laptop; it’s totally different from the usual driver for accessing information in your Android system, one thing that usually journeys up new customers.

Step Three: Select a Theme

The mixture of Substratum and Andromeda permits you to apply an enormous number of themes to Android. Right now, we’re going to apply a easy theme that removes that garish white notification menu, based mostly on the older, darker model of Android, Nougat.

I discovered a free theme that I actually like referred to as BalticUI, which you’ll obtain from the Play Retailer. However there are dozens and dozens of Substratum themes on the Play Retailer, each free and paid, so be at liberty to verify them out after you’re completed with this information: simply seek for “Substratum Theme.”

Step 4: Apply the Theme to Android

When you’ve put in your theme from the Play Retailer, open the Substratum app. You’ll see the theme accessible from the principle menu. Faucet the theme to open it—word that there could also be a number of choices for varied elements of the theme, together with UI parts, icons, et cetera. To easily apply every little thing, faucet the choice labelled “Choose to toggle all overlays.”

In the event you’re prepared to apply the theme, faucet the pink paint curler icon within the bottom-right nook of the display screen. Faucet “Construct & Allow.” The display screen will go darkish for a second because the theme parts are utilized to your system.

After it’s accomplished, you’re all set! Right here’s a screenshot of my Pixel C working the BalticUI theme with the darkish notification menu.

In the event you’re feeling artistic, check out totally different themes, and the totally different choices inside them. You may take away lively themes at any time by choosing the “Toggle all overlays” choice in a theme, then tapping the paint curler icon, then “Disable chosen.” Your interface will return to the Android default.